Adolescence and young adulthood is a critical time for developing personal identity, independence and social connections. Engaging in physical activity (PA) including sport, exercise and leisure time activity can support this growth. Additionally, individuals who are more active during these years often develop habits and behaviours that continue later in life. However, youth with SCI often have fewer opportunities to be active and navigate complicated social situations in order to engage. Existing research has shown that parents of youth with disabilities play a key role in shaping if and how their adolescent or young adult children engage in physical activity.
In this study we want to hear from youth with SCI, and parents of youth with SCI about their experiences of being physically active or supporting their child to be physically active. The aim of this work is to deepen our understanding of disability and PA to: inform policy, and support inclusive program and resource development.
Participants will be asked to complete a short online survey and then participate in a ‘conversational style’ interview. This interview portion will last 1-2 hours. Interviews can be completed at ICORD/Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, UBC Point Grey Campus or another public location convenient to you (community centre, library, etc.). Interviews can also be conducted over Zoom.
Why should you participate?
Much of the existing research on youth with disabilities and their engagement in physical activity focuses on how inactive youth with disabilities are and the many barriers they face to being more active. We want to hear from youth with SCI and their parents about how they are being active, what allows them to be physically active, and what they get from being physically active.
This research study will also explore some of the tensions that parents might encounter when searching for opportunities for their adolescent/young adult children – experiences that might include trying to find appropriate opportunities while also trying to protect their children from negative experiences. As parents play a huge role in supporting their child’s physical activity experiences, we want to learn about their involvement in their child’s physical activity experiences and the different roles they occupy to support their child’s engagement.
Our goal is to use the stories of participants to advocate for more positive and inclusive opportunities for other youth living with SCI.
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
Youth living with SCI must be:
- Between the ages of 15-24 years
- Currently are or previously have participated in PA including: recreational activities, sports, exercise or fitness
- At least 1 year post injury
- Currently living with their parents in the Metro Vancouver area
- Proficient in English
Parent/guardian participants are eligible if:
- Have a child with SCI living with them in the Metro Vancouver area between the aged 15-24
- Directly involved in seeking opportunities, registering, and/or supporting their child’s PA engagements
- Proficient in English
You may not be eligible to participate if you:
Excluded from participation will be youth who no longer live with their parent or childhood caregiver and parents or guardians who no longer with their child within the same home (parents/guardians with part time custody or who live in the same household part-time will be included).
Time commitment: 1 – 2 hours in total.
Compensation for participation: $50 gift card of your choice (For example: Amazon, London Drugs, Vancouver Parks and Recreation, Starbucks, Canadian Tire etc).
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact study coordinator Kailan Tang by email or at (604) 675-8800.
